Arnold Schwarzenegger Speaks Out After Getting Attacked By an ‘Idiot’ in South Africa

He’s a good sport. Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger was attacked on Saturday during his annual Arnold Classic Africa sports festival. At the event in Sandton, Johannesburg, the 71-year-old was kicked from behind by one of the festival attendees, and he took to Twitter to share an update with fans about how he’s doing after the attack.

“Thanks for your concerns, but there is nothing to worry about. I thought I was just jostled by the crowd, which happens a lot,” the Terminator star wrote on Twitter. “I only realized I was kicked when I saw the video like all of you. I’m just glad the idiot didn’t interrupt my Snapchat.”

Do me a favor: instead of sharing the video of the guy who wants to be famous, watch some of our @ArnoldSports athletes like this young hero proving that fitness is for everyone who deserve to be famous. They’re on my Snapchat. pic.twitter.com/EuMynJ7t1n

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 18, 2019

Footage of the incident was captured on cell phone video by spectators at the event. In the clip, it seemed like Arnold had been taking a break from judging the jump rope competition to snap some selfies with fans when a young man ran up behind him and dropkicked Arnold right in the back. A man who seemed to be Arnold’s bodyguard immediately took action, and he grabbed the young man by his shoulders, lifted him up and escorted him out.

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While many fans and fellow celebs were obviously concerned for Arnold, others were impressed by the way he absorbed the impact from the kick. “That looked like he jumped against a wall 😁 glad that [you’re] OK legend,” one fan wrote, and another commented, “It looks like he is more In pain than you 😅 💪🏼 #unbreakable Arnold.”

Arnold didn’t let the incident stop him from enjoying the multi-sport festivities, which included competitions in all areas of sports: from archery and dance to rugby and softball. The former California governor wanted to make sure that the incident that took place during Saturday’s event did not overshadow the hard work that all of the amazing athletes had been doing in order to compete.

“We have 90 sports here in South Africa at the @ArnoldSports, and 24,000 athletes of all ages and abilities inspiring all of us to get off the couch,” Arnold wrote. “Let’s put this spotlight on them.”